ON-LINE REGISTRATION -A new page has been added to the council website for on-line registration. Check it out!

Events, Activities, and Information

New information in this section is indicated by this font color.

GENERAL SCOUTING

District Executive Openings - The Greater Alabama Council is currently accepting applications for District Executive candidates. The District Executive serves many roles in Scouting, but the primary task of a DE is to provide volunteer support to ensure the Scouting program advances. For more information on the role of a District Executive, visit www.scouting.org/jobs. A four year degree is required Scouting offers competitive salaries and benefits. If you are interested, please submit your resume and a cover letter to careers@1bsa.org.

HEALTH TIP -Hydration – Drink! Drink!! Drink!!!

Summer has begun, Day Camps, Summer Camps, and great Unit Trips.We have been inside all winter, and our bodies have not acclimated to the hot, humid weather. Dehydration can spoil the fun for our youth and our adults. Get outside to start getting your body use to the heat.Stay in shaded areas as much as possible, and most importantly, drink plenty of water.

TOUR AND ACTIVITIES PLAN -- A new system for Tour and Activities Plans (previously know as tour permits) has been institiuted by the BSA. To learn about the new system, click here.

WOOD BADGE 2012 - Greater Alabama Council will conduct one more Wood Badge course this year. The course will be on Saturday/Sunday/Monday September 15-17 at Camp Comer, and October 13-15 at Camp Westmoreland. Click here for information/registration flyer

JUNIOR TRAIL BOSS PROGRAM – Camp Jackson will launch a mountain bike program soon. Before the bikes arrive and the fun starts, Camp Jackson needs a trail system built for this program. It will take hard work and dedication to turn this dream into a reality. Trail crews will be based on volunteer labor force that will need direction and leadership to build the trails properly. We are looking for 14 dependable people to assume the title of Junior Trail Boss and to assume leadership positions. These individuals will become part of an elite team of trail building specialists. They will oversee the work of trail crews with an adult leader. They will learn the rules of trail building, building switchbacks, building in sloped turns, armoring the trail, etc. The Necessary Skills need for this job is the ability to communicate well, to work well independently or as a group, and the ability to execute a plan. Minimum Requirements for applicants: they must be 16 years old or older (adults are also welcome), must be able to work a minimum of 1 Saturday a month, must be able lead a crew of 5 or more people with an adult leader and attend Camp Jackson Trail School (4 hours of classroom with 5 hours of hands on trail work). For an application, click here

Research and Program Innovation- will be sending a survey to about 5,000 Eagle Scouts from across the country under the age of 35 on Tuesday, May 8. The survey will be used to collect information regarding a few potential membership benefits given by joining the National Eagle Scout Association. An email invitation will be sent with the subject line “Tell us about some National Eagle Scout Association benefits” and will come from The Boy Scouts of America (paige.paradis@scouting.org<mailto:paige.paradis@scouting.org>). The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete.

LOWE'S EAGLE PROJECT GIFT CARD - The Greater Alabama Council is the recipient of a grant of 52 $100.00 prepaid Lowe’s gift cards to be used towards Eagle Scout Service Projects. Click here for more details

NEW - Introduction to Leadership Skills For Troops (ILST) – When your Troop selects new youth leadership, the Scoutmaster and Adult Leaders in the unit should conduct an ILST to teach Scouts with leadership positions about their new roles and how to most effectively reach success in that role. It is intended to help Boy Scouts in leadership positions within their troop understand their responsibilities and to equip them with organizational and leadership skills to fulfill those responsibilities. Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops is the first course in the series of leadership training offered to Boy Scouts and is a replacement for Troop Leadership Training. Completion of Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops is a prerequisite for Boy Scouts to participate in the more advanced leadership courses National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE). It is also required to participate in a Kodiak Challenge Trek. The course can be downloaded from http://www.scouting.org/Training/Youth.aspx.

NATIONAL JAMBOREE -- Planning is already underway for the 2013 National Jamboree. The Greater Alabama Council will send 108 Scouts and 12 Leaders to the first jamboree at the new permanent jamboree site.

NEW - Introduction to Leadership Skills For Crews (ILSC) – When your Crew selects new youth leadership, the Crew Advisor and Adult Leaders in the unit should conduct an ILSC is to teach crew members with leadership positions about their new roles and how to most effectively reach success in that role. It is intended to help Venturers in leadership positions within their crew understand their responsibilities and to equip them with organizational and leadership skills to fulfill those responsibilities. Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews is the first course in the series of leadership training offered to Venturers and is a replacement for the Venturing Leadership Skills Course. Completion of Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews is a prerequisite for Venturers to participate in the more advanced leadership courses National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE). It is also required for Kodiak.. The course can be downloaded from http://www.scouting.org/Training/Youth.aspx.

NEW - Introduction to Leadership Skills For Ship (ILSS) – When your Ship selects new youth leadership, the Skipper and Adult Leaders in the unit should conduct an ILSS is to teach crew members with leadership positions about their new roles and how to most effectively reach success in that role. It is intended to help Crews in leadership positions within their crew understand their responsibilities and to equip them with organizational and leadership skills to fulfill those responsibilities. Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews is the first course in the series of leadership training offered to Crews and is a replacement for the Venturing Leadership Skills Course. Completion of Introduction to Leadership Skills for Ship is a prerequisite for Sea Scouts to participate in the more advanced leadership courses National Youth Leadership

NATIONAL JAMBOREE -- Planning is already underway for the 2013 National Jamboree which will include Venturers for the first time. The Greater Alabama Council will send 8 Venturers and 2 Venture Leaders to the first jamboree at the new permanent jamboree site. Contingent cost is anticipated to be $1,500.Click here for more information.

The National Order of the Arrow Committee announced that two-time Coosa Lodge Chief, two-time Section Chief, and all-around good guy James Tarbox has been selected to receive the Distinguished Service Award at this year’s National Order of the Arrow Conference.

From the National Order of the Arrow website:

The Distinguished Service Award was created in 1940 to honor those who rendered service to the Order beyond the lodge level. The award is presented to those Arrowmen who have rendered distinguished and outstanding service to the Order on a sectional, regional, or national basis. The award is presented every two to three years during the National Order of the Arrow Conference.

The award is a sterling silver arrowhead, bearing an arrow pointing upward and to the wearer’s right, suspended from a white neck-ribbon upon which are embroidered red arrows. A white square knot embroidered upon red cloth is also available. Presentation of the award is limited; nominations are open to both youth and adult.

James joins Dr. James Flatt and Mr. Keith Swedenburg as the only past or current members of Coosa Lodge to be recognized with this honor. He also has the distinction of being the first “home-grown” member of Coosa Lodge to receive the Award.

James was inducted into Coosa Lodge in 2001 at Camp Sequoyah. He then served in nearly every aspect of the Lodge, including ceremonies, shows, the kitchen, and the trading post, before being elected as Coosa Lodge’s only two-term Lodge Chief on his way to back-to-back elections as SR-6S and SR-9 Section Chief. James’ experience with Coosa Shows and his success as Section Chief opened the door for him to serve as the Shows CVC at the 2009 National Order of the Arrow Conference, where he led dozens of Arrowmen in successfully planning and executing four exciting and inspirational arena shows.

NOAC — Planning and preparation continue for the 2012 National Order of the Arrow Conference (or “NOAC”), set for July 30th through August 4th Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Coosa Lodge is riding chartered buses to the conference and ongoing fundraising efforts have dramatically reduced the cost for our contingent members. The current cost is $400, which is down from our original estimate of $600 and is actually below the actual cost for participants as set by the National Committee. If you want to attend NOAC, the time to sign up is NOW! Click here to for NOAC information and a registration/payment link.

It is time to start thinking about popcorn, its right around the corner. Units need to decide who their individual Kernels will be.All units please send your popcorn kernel (or one representative) to our district's kickoff meeting Thursday, August 9th at 6:00pm at Casa Blanca in Athens. Casa Blanca is across from Publix in the shopping center of Dolphin Pools. The district will provide the meal and you will receive popcorn materials (order forms, etc) and be able to complete the comittment form (if you haven't already). Information is also available on our Facebook page Arrowhead District Popcorn Sales.

If you need anything don't hesitate to contact:Anson Walck 205-516-0438

WOOD BADGE CHALLENGE FROM THE CUB SCOUT ROUNDTABLE COMMISSIONER – Those of you that are regulars at Roundtable, you are quite familiar with hearing the question “Who has been to Wood Badge?” This is normally done so that we can figure out who hasn’t been to Wood Badge. Normally at the Arrowhead Roundtable the number of people that have completed or taken Wood Badge is greater that than the number of people that haven’t. Although this is good, for our district there is a very large population of leaders that have not gone to Wood Badge and do not come to Roundtable. So let me change up the approach.

For those of you who haven’t been to Wood Badge:

If you haven’t been, I ask that you do truly consider it. Yes it is more scout leader training… but what you will learn and experience there not only can be applied to scouts but it can be applied to your life outside of scouts. You will meet others with similar interests in Scouting and develop a valuable network of people that you can reach out and tap if needed. More importantly Wood Badge will clarify your role in making Scouting a "special place" and in bringing the vision and values of Scouting home to the youth we serve. Bottom line it will help you deliver a better Scouting program to the youth.

Look around your Pack/Troop/Team/Crew. If every leader in your unit has been to Wood Badge, I have no challenge for you other than keep up the good work. Although something tells me that this is probably not the case. Could the youth of your unit benefit from another Wood Badge trained leader? Do you know of a neighboring unit that could benefit by having another leader complete the Wood Badge? Since you have either been through or completed Wood Badge, you have first-hand knowledge of how Wood Badge can benefit the youth, the leader, and the Scouting Unit.My Challenge to you: print this form out (or however many you may need) (https://1bsa.org/tyfoon/site/fckeditor/file/S9-1-12-2%20Flier.pdf), talk to those leaders that haven’t been to Wood Badge, share your experience with them; let them know that you will be available to help them achieve their goals as they work their ticket, and ask them to fill out an application and register.

COMING EVENTS

7/22-25/12 WEBELOS RESIDENT CAMP - At Camp Comer. Last year’s camp was a great success and this year promises to be even better. Great programs for both first and second year Webelos. You don’t want to miss this wonderful opportunity for fun, adventure and advancement. For the Leader's Guide with program and registration information go to: https://1bsa.org/tyfoon/site/fckeditor/file/2012%20Webelos%20Resident%20Camp%20Leaders%20Guide%20R1.pdf7/27-28/12 MCWANE CENTER CAMP-IN – If you wanted to have your pack participate in one of the McWane Center Camp-Ins listed below and none of the dates worked for your unit or you need to have a fun activity so that your pack can qualify for the Pack Summertime Award, Laurel Rickard has arranged for this one. Just contact her for more information at lrickard@comcast.net. 8/2/12 COMMISSIONER’S STAFF MEETING – 6 – 7 PM at St Andrew Presbyterian Church (3310 Danville Rd, Decatur, Alabama 35603). All Unit Commissioners, Assistant District Commissioners, and Roundtable Commissioners are invited.8/2/12 ROUNDTABLE – 7 – 8 pm. St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (3310 Danville Rd SW, Decatur, Alabama 35603). All Boy Scout leaders, Cub Scout leaders, and Crew advisors invited! Come to Roundtable!8/4/12 2ND ANNUAL WEDOWEE MERIT BADGE FAIR – (CHEAHA)(C) The Wedowee Troop 4711 will host their 2nd Annual Merit Badge Fair on Aug 4, 2012. Scouts can take up to 2 classes and the fees will cover a lunch and snacks at the Fair. Please reserve your classes early. Cost is $15. Registration and Check-in is from 7:30 – 8 am. Broad Street Wedowee AL. 36278 For more information or to register, go to: http://www.meritbadge.info/mbn/eventdetails.aspx?id=70DD7123-8E9B-462C-BA70-92CFB0CDCD098/4/12 TRAINER’S EDGE – (CHEAHA)(C) Leaders while your scouts are taking Merit Badge A Trainers Edge class will be offered on the date of the Fair and will begin at 8:30 am and will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Wedowee. The class fee is $5.00 and neckerchief's will be for sale at $10.00 each. 8/18/12 OUTDOOR LEADER SKILLS – WEBELOS LEADERS – (Lookout Mountain)(C) at Noccalula Falls Campground in Gadsden, Alabama. This is supplemental training required for leadership who will be taking older Cubs on Webelos Den Campouts & is meant to enhance skills learned at BALOO & Leader Specific trainings. OWLS (Outdoor Webelos Leaders Skills) curriculum also includes teaching helps for outdoor-group Webelos Activity Badges as well as Webelos-to-Boy Scout Transition material. For more information:https://1bsa.org/tyfoon/site/fckeditor/file/OWLS%20GADSDEN%208_18_12.pdf9/7/12 FALL ORDER OF THE ARROW ORDEAL – Camp Comer. For more information, go to: www.coosa50.com.9/15-17/12 WOOD BADGE 2012 – (Session 1) Course S9-1122 Saturday/Sunday/Monday at Camp Comer and again October 13-15 at Camp Westmoreland. This is the capstone of Scout Training – For information/registration flyer, go to: https://1bsa.org/tyfoon/site/fckeditor/file/S9-1-12-2%20Flier.pdf.9/22/12 FISHING RODEO – Hanceville Veterans’ Park9/29/12 FISHING RODEO – Joe Wheeler Veterans’ Park10/7/12 TIGER CUB SAFARI – At the Birmingham Zoo. Watch for more information to come10/19-21/12 ARROWHEAD FALL CAMPOREE – The dates have been set, the location has been set for the Matthews Preserve in Limestone County. More information is to come. Save the dates and make plans to attend11/2/12 FALL ORDER OF THE ARROW ORDEAL – Camp Jackson. For more information, go to: www.coosa50.com.

Hello, Birmingham District! The time is coming for us to prepare for the upcoming Fall Calendar. In order to make sure that we are all prepared to put on the best possible program, we will hold our annual Program Preview Conference on Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church. You will receive all of the flyers for upcoming: Fishing Rodeos, the Tiger Safari at the Zoo, Cub Haunted Weekends and other activities.Thank you to all of the Scouts, parents and unit leaders that participated in the NASA/McWane STEM event on this past weekend. Please make sure to mark your calendars for the final weekend that is scheduled for Friday, August 10, 2012. Are you prepared for the start of school? This is the beginning of a lifetime of scouting for so many kids and the continuation of fun for many. We are in a very unique situation by not knowing the exact start date for school within the Birmingham District. We will be holding a School Recruitment Training within the month of August to lay out the plan on how we plan to recruit in each of the schools this year. Please be on the lookout for this date in the next Digital Eagle article.

This week is Cheaha's Day Camp and it is being held at Spring St. Rec Center in Talladega from 4:30-7:30 p.m. If you plan on attendning and have not signed up yet please bring the form with you this evening to be able to attend. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

Also our planned camporee will be held Nov. 9th 10th and 11th this year. We are still ironing out all of the details, but go ahead and mark the dates in you calendars and plan on another great camporee.

August 4th is Wedowee's Merit badge fair. Please visit meritbadge.infofor all the info on classes and trainings available. There will be leader specific training available for anyone interested. Please visit the website for all info.

I look forward to seeing everyone this week during day camp and hope everyone has had a good summer so far.

It is my pleasure to announce the promotion of Anthony Edwards. Anthony has served as the Cherokee Executive District for five years. In the time spent he has been a positive influence on the youth and volunteer he served. He will bring knowledge and experience to his new role as the Senior District Executive for the Birmingham District. We are excited about his new position with Greater Alabama Council. Please join us in welcoming Anthony to Birmingham District and congratulating him on the promotion.

Bradley Knobloch and Avery Gallup will be recognized at the Annual Mayor’s Luncheon on May 15, 2012 at 12 noon.

Bradley Knobloch, a junior at Pleasant Grove High School, has leaded an effort to giveaway 3,300 tree seedlings to Pleasant Grove residents whose houses were in the tornado's path. Thou¬sands of trees were taken down in Pleasant Grove as a result of the tornado. Bradley and his troop have help residents plant the seedlings the same day. Bradley whose home was destroyed in the storm decide

Avery Gallups, a sophomore at Oak Grove High School and member of Pleasant Grove Boy Scout Troop 120, is leaded the project. His project was to build a granite monument to honor the 11 residents that were killed in the deadly April 2011 tornadoes. Avery and his fellow Scouts have raised over $9,000 towards the project which was unveiled on April 28. Both Knobloch and Gal¬lups are members of Pleasant Grove Boy Scout Troop 120.

Day Camp for Cherokee District starts June 18-22, 8:30am – 4:00pm at MLK Park. If you would like a representative of Day Camp to come to your den meeting or Pack meeting to help field any questions the scout or parents might have please contact Anthony Edwards ataedwards@1bsa.org.

Day Camp Volunteers: We need walking den leaders, registration helpers and helpers. Please email if you would like to help on June 18-22

Summer Camp…………. Space for summer camp is filling up quickly, and it’s filling up from out of council troops. Let’s make sure that everyone who wants to go to camp will get the opportunity to this summer

As many of you have heard, I have accepted a promotion to Senior District Executive for the Vulcan District. I wanted to thank all of you for your support and hard work over the last two years. The Council is working on identifying my replacement, and in the interim, Clay Pruitt will be covering Lookout Mountain. His contact information iscpruitt@bsamail.org, cell phone is 205-914-7182.

Our normal Roundtable meeting night is the second Tuesday of each month, however, if we wait until the second Tuesday in August, it is the 14th, which is late for PPC and Popcorn Kickoff. So we are going to have the PPC & Popcorn Kickoff on the First Tuesday, August 7, 6:30 pm in Collinsville, we are finalizing the location, and will communicate it ASAP.

Also remember all Schools are starting on the 20th of August. All of our units are able to manage your School Night. You need to coordinate with your Unit Adults, and identify who will be going into the school. We will provide you with Flyers/Handouts and Stickers. As soon as you get it scheduled, email Clay Pruitt. If you do not have anyone available to go into the school, work with Clay, we will work with you, but please understand, Priority goes to new units and schools which have multiple units recruiting first.

Other events coming in September, Fishing Rodeo at Gadsden State on September 15th, and at Camp Comer on September 29th. The Gadsden State Fishing Rodeo will have a planning meeting on Thursday, July 19th, at 6:30, at Moragne Park in Gadsden. If you are interested in being involved, Please contact Jen Newton at 256-504-2175, or Kris Martin at 256-393-0833.

Thank you all again for your support, and it is the volunteers who have made Lookout Mountain District one of the Best in the Greater Alabama Council.

Last week, we had a great Cub Scout Day Camp! Our theme this year was Knights of the Roundtable. Our scouts had a ton of fun making crafts, shooting bb guns and bows/arrows, and playing games. Thanks for braving the rain and coming out! Thanks also to the staff and families who came and participated. Here's a few pics:

We will have our program planning conference and district popcorn kickoff during roundtable on Aug. 2. We will also talk about school night recruitings. It will begin at 6:30 at Henryville First UMC in Claysville. See you there.

The Koasati Chapter of the Order of the Arrow has formed a ceremony team. Any arrowmen interested in becoming a member of the team may contact Koasati Chapter Chief John Mayhall atjbear_3434@yahoo.com.

Please contact Brian Reeves at brreeves@1bsa.org if you have yet to recharter your unit. These recharters were due over 6 months ago and it is beyond urgent that we get them turned in.

For units conducting recruiting roundups, email me as soon as possible if you will need my assistance. My schedule is already filling up fast, particularly for the first several weeks after school starts back.

I will be out of town on my honeymoon from July 21-28. Please be mindful of this. If you need assistance during this time, please call the Huntsville Scout Office at 256-883-7071 or contact Clay Pruitt at 205-914-7182 or cpruitt@1bsa.org. I will not be checking voicemail or email. Thanks for being considerate.-Brian R.

• Shelby District School Night For Scouting Training will be held on Thursday, July 26th from 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Reception Room at the Riverchase Church of Christ in Pelham, AL on Hwy 31. If you are interested in serving on the School Night for Scouting Committee for the Shelby District, please contact the School Night for Scouting Chairman, Chris Foxhall, cfoxhall@gmail.com .

• Save the date – Shelby District Program Preview, August 9, 2012 at 7:00 PM at the Riverchase Church of Christ on Hwy 31 in Pelham, AL. This will be an opportunity to get an overview of the year of Scouting for 2012-2013. Make sure there is a unit representative in attendance for each unit. Let’s start the year out right!

• IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR POPCORN!!! The Shelby District Popcorn Kickoff will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 7:00-8:00 PM, location TBD.This is the ideal time for specific popcorn questions and information. Shelby District Scout Leaders, turn in your 2012 popcorn commitment forms to make sure that you and your popcorn kernel and your units will be in the popcorn information loop! For those curious about the popcorn guide, it has been posted tohttps://1bsa.org/popcorn.php. For more information please contact Julie Decker, the Shelby District Popcorn Kernel, julie@uab.edu

• **2012 Shelby District Camporee Save The Date** Please mark your calendar for this year's Camporee: October 19-21 at Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park, 240 Furnace Parkway, Brierfield, AL 35035. Program details will be available at the Shelby District Roundtable/Program Preview Conference, August 9th at Riverchase Church of Christ, 1868 Montgomery Highway, Birmingham, AL 35244.To Volunteer to help with Camporee Planning and Events please email Camporee Chairman: Danny Van Deventer at:daniel.p.vandeventer@gmail.com

• NASA Summer of innovation (SOI) is a NO COST solicitation-driven project that is designed to support learner interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by strengthening the capacity of community and school-based organizations that inspire and engage middle school learners in STEM content during the summer. This project will expand both the breadth and depth of school and community-based collaborators’ ability to provide meaningful, educational, and exciting STEM experiences to learners entering grades 4-9. Youth who participate must be a registered Scout and must attend both to complete program.

o Check-In Begins at 5:00 PM CST. Groups may arrive earlier in the day to explore the Museum at NO COST. Dinner Begins at 5:30 PM CST.

• The Boy Scout Iron Chef Cook Off will be on 08/18 at the Helena Market Days. Deadline to enter is July 20th.

This event is intended to be a fun and friendly competition between the Boy Scout troops of the Shelby District so the rules will not be excessively strict. This event is open to all Troops and Crews in the Shelby District.

o The Helena Market Days will provide a tent and a table for each team. There will also be access to tab water and power at the concession but you will need to bring power extension cords.

o You may setup as early as 7am.

o No more than 10 boy scouts per team (no exceptions)

o Each troop will need to safely set up their cooking gear by their tent. You may bring additional items used in cooking such as salt, flour, sugar, spices, oil/non-stick spray, etc.

o You may only use vegetables and fruit from vendors at the Helena Market Days. The market will provide each team $20. You may shop at anytime from the market's open at 8am to the end of the competition. You may spend more if you use your own money but quantity doesn't mean quality.

o Sponsor will provide mystery meats that will be given to both troops in equal portions. They will be revealed at 9am at which time a clock will start and end at 10:30am for judging. If both teams end early , we can have the judging earlier (to prevent the food from staying in the heat)

o One adult from each troop will need to act as a safety officer with first aid to ensure the boys are okay but may not assist in the cooking (please coach and practice with them ahead of time)

o The scouts will provide the plates and plastic utensils for the judges.

• Cub Scout Fishing Rodeo at Oak Mountain State Park is Saturday, September 22, 2012. Registration is 8:00 AM, Opening Ceremony is 8:45 AM, Fishing and Midway open is 9:00 AM, Lunch is 12:00 PM, and Awards/Closing is 1:00 PM. Cub Fishing Rodeo is a time for new and returning Cub Scouts to start off the Scouting year with an exciting outdoor activity. The fee is $11.00 for one cub and one parent/guardian. The fee for two cubs and one parent/guardian is $17.00. Other family members are encouraged to attend at a cost of $7.00 each. The fee includes lunch, program supplies, and activity patch (for the Cub Scout only). Please bring personal fishing equipment and bait. Pre-registration is encouraged!!! www.1bsa.orgClick Here

• Check out the Shelby District Commissioner Newsletter, Volume 2, Number 6. Thank you to Steve Ware for preparing the newsletter! Click Here

KNIGHTS OF THE ROUNDTABLE
DAY CAMP 2012 WAS AWESOME!!!!!
Special Thanks to Sarah Capps and April Hall for being our Bonafide Day Camp Leaders this year!! Hip Hip Hooray for a JOB WELL DONE =)

This year we had over 300 Cub Scouts plus parents, tots and volunteers that made Knights of the Roundtable a fun time for ALL!! We want to give a special thanks to all the ladies of Day Camp Headquarters: Cindy, Shanna, Sharon, Deborah, Shawn, LeAnne, Jill, Robin and ALL OUR AMAZING Cub Scout Moms who volunteered their time tirelessly to make this years Day Camp a Smashing Success!!!

For MORE pictures and Video Clips from all the FUN of KNIGHTS OF THE ROUNDTABLE Click Here

***Please come out if you are available to help us recruit youth in our schools this fall. WE NEED YOUR HELP!! If you are unable to attend the training meeting, and still would like to volunteer to help please contact the Scout Office (256) 883–7071.****

IT’S TIME FOR - NIGHT PRESENTATIONS, SCHOOL RALLIES & BOY TALKS!!!
Let's bring the wonderful world to Scouting to even more youth this year!
Be A School Night Volunteer: WE NEED YOUR HELP TO RECRUIT MORE YOUTH!!!!
(Any day or event in which you are able to attend to assist in leading and signing up youth we greatly appreciate it. Give us a call at the Scout office to let us know when your available to help!)

NATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING
The premiere leadership training course for the youth leaders of of our scout troops and venturing crews. National Youth Leadership Training, a course to be offered on two different occasions at Camp Westmoreland. The Greater Alabama Council is accepting applications now. See the flyer for additional details.

Troop 7633 visited Washington D.C. during Memorial Day weekend and had a GREAT TIME. They camped at New River State Park in Virginia on the drive up and back and camped at Green Belt National Park while in D.C. Their trip was JAMPACKED with FUN and ADVENTURE: Troop 7633 visited both Air and Space Museums, the Holocaust Museum, the Museum of the American Indians, Spy Museum, Lincoln Memorial, National Art Museum, and Iwo Jima Memorial. They took a D.C. Duck Tour and Monuments by Moonlight Tour, spent one day in camp working on merit badges, toured the U.S. Capital where 4 Scouts got to go on the floor of the House of Representatives and vote for Congressman Brooks and another Congressman. Scoutmaster Mr. John Fee would like to send out a special Thank You to all the scouts and their parents for allowing them to participate in such an awesome experience!!!

(Picture HERE of Scouts in DC)

ATTENTION!!!!!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE FALL PROGRAM PREVIEW CONFERENCE:

Date: THURSDAY, AUGUST 2nd

Time: 7PM

Place: Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints
(1804 Sparkman Drive: 1 mile North of University Dr.)

Please COME OUT and get a Preview of ALL THE UPCOMING EVENTS this Fall!!!!!!

REMINDER: Resident Camp is fast approaching-PLEASE SIGN UP or CALL LOCAL SCOUT OFFICE for more info!

Please let me know about any Court of Honor, Eagle Projects and New Eagles, etc. Please send me dates, times and any other important information. Also, please send me a picture of important things happening in your units. I will promote it or be there if I know about things happening in your units.

THREE RIVERS IS ON FACEBOOK! The facebook group link is Three Rivers District, GAC. If you are on Facebook, please go to our page and like our page. In addition to our great website,threerivers.1bsa.org, Facebook is another great asset to keep everyone informed on the latest District news.

July 22-25, 2012 WEBELOS RESIDENT CAMP – NOT MANY SPOTS LEFT. PLEASE REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF YOU PLAN TO GO. THE DEMAND HAS BEEN TREMENDOUS AND WILL CUT OFF REGISTRATIONS IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.At Camp Comer. Last year’s camp was a great success and this year promises to be even better. Great programs for both first and second year Webelos. You don’t want to miss this wonderful opportunity for fun, adventure and advancement. For the Leader's Guide with program and registration information go to:https://1bsa.org/tyfoon/site/fckeditor/file/2012%20Webelos%20Resident%20Camp%20Leaders%20Guide%20R1.pdf

August 10-11, 2012 - NASA’s SUMMER OF INNOVATION CAMP IN AT MCWANE CENTER NASA Summer of innovation (SOI) is a solicitation-driven project that is designed to support learner interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by strengthening the capacity of community and school-based organizations that inspire and engage middle school learners in STEM content during the summer. This project will expand both the breadth and depth of school and community-based collaborators’ ability to provide meaningful, educational, and exciting STEM experiences to learners entering grades 4-9. Youth who participate must be a registered Scout and must attend all camp-ins to complete program. Sleepover Includes: Dinner, Breakfast, IMAX® Film, Adventure Halls, Science Programs, Camp-In Patch, Telescope and Camp-In Tee-Shirt.Please contact Heather Mayfield at hmayfiel@bsamail.org for more information.

My name is Michael Wells, and I am your new Senior District Executive. I am looking forward to meeting you all, and working with you to continue the excellence of the district. I am an Eagle Scout from the Vulcan District back in 1981, and have been a longtime Scout and Scouter prior to becoming a Professional.

Vulcan District Day Camp is off and running at Oak Mountain State Park with almost 300 Cub Scouts, and National Youth Leader Training (NYLT) started Sunday with several participants from the Vulcan District.

On July 26th, at 6:30 pm, we will have a District Recruiting meeting at 6:30 at the Council Office. We will have a Breakout Session for Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews to go over several recruiting strategies to grow Troops and Crews, as well as the Cub Breakout for School Night For Scouting (SNFS), to go through our Recruiting Plan. Every Pack is expected to have their Leadership represented, as this is a critical meeting.

Our Program Preview Conference will kick off our Roundtable year with the Meeting on the First Thursday of August, August 2, at 6:30 pm at Canterbury United Methodist Church, in Mountain Brook. Everyone is invited; please make sure your unit has representation. We will have Door Prizes, and the unit with the most adults present will receive a Prize.

POPCORN! POPCORN!!POPCORN!!! We are going to Kickoff Popcorn sales on Tuesday, August 14th, at 6:30 pm, location to be announced. I know several units have been active in this, and some do not participate for several reasons. I would like every unit to consider the opportunity, even if you have other fundraisers. This is an opportunity for scouts to raise funds to pay for unit programs, if you have individual scout accounts, they can earn money to pay for Winter Blast, Summer Camp, NYLT, Philmont, Northern Tier, Sea Base, National Jamboree, or to purchase scouting gear. As Leaders, we should allow or youth every opportunity to learn Thriftiness through self sufficiency. This is one opportunity to do just that and I challenge everyone to use every tool available to help our youth grow into strong members of society.

Get Ready for Vulcan District Scout Days at the Red Mountain Zip Line!!!

Red Mountain Park will welcome hundreds of Vulcan District Scouts on Tuesday, August 7 (Cub Scouts) and on Wednesday, August 8 (Boy Scouts and Venturers). Thursday, August 9 will be reserved as a rain date.

As a way to thank the Boy Scouts of America, Red Mountain Park will only charge our Scouts $10 to ride the Zip Line on these dates! The normal price for the Zip Line experience is $50, so this is an outstanding value for our Scouts. Scouts will need to sign up for the Zip Line at the Scout Office in Liberty Park. Space will be limited and the registration deadline will be in late July. If the event is over-subscribed, slots will be allocated according to Units and only to Scouts who are fully registered by the deadline, which will include payment in full, the completed registration form, and the completed Red Mountain Park release form. Units must provide adult supervision for Scouts participating - at least one adult for three Cub Scouts, and at least one adult for five Boy Scouts or Venturers. Adults may be Zip Line participants if space is available.

Scouts will be scheduled in groups of no more than 50 in each of four start times - 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Participants will be required to arrive at least 30 minutes before their start time.

Be on the lookout for more specific information, including registration forms and instructions, in the coming days. Please pass on this news to your Unit families so they can mark their calendars for the amazing Red Mountain Zip Line experience for Cub Scouts on Tuesday, August 7 and for Boy Scouts and Venturers on Wednesday, August 8!

***OA Chapter- Nunne-Hi-Vulcan OA is on Facebook- “Nunne-Hi Chapter of the Coosa Lodge”-District OA Meetings - OA meetings are held the last Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Briarwood Scout House. Both former and current arrowmen of any lodge are invited to attend. Questions: Brett Melton, brett@imtheguy.co

I am looking forward to meeting all of you at our PPC, and other upcoming meetings.

The August Roundtable will be at 6:30 pm at Florence Blvd Church of Christ and we will be holding the annual Program Preview Conference to go over all of the exciting activities and dates for the upcoming year! Both Cubs and Scouts will be meeting together!

To all of the Cub Leaders - Please let me know the schools where you have recruited in the past and how you have handled the recruiting.We are gearing up for the the start of school and the recruiting of new boys into the program. Connie Johnson is our School Night for Scouting Chair and we will be announcing a training date for our units.

Popcorn sales are also gearing up for the Fall as well. Denise Herbster and Lori Wollfolk are the district co-chairs for this campaign and we will be having a popcorn kick-off soon, so units please get me a list of your popcorn sales leaders!

The District committee has issued a new mission statement for Camp Westmoreland, I have attached it so you can see it! Great job! Click Here

Congratulations to the following Scouts who recently completed all the requirements and earned the rank of Eagle:

Peter Chobot Troop 285

Ory Wigington Troop 52

Eli LeCroix Troop 52

Bradley Thomas Troop 52

To schedule a Project Review or Eagle Board, email the Westmoreland District Eagle Boardat EagleBoard@WestmorelandDistrict.com with your Name, Troop #, Email and Phone Number that you maybe reached at. Also, state if it is a Project Review or Eagle Board and give a brief description of your proposed project including the sponsor and the physical location.

***District Email- I would like to ask everyone to encourage your parents to sign up for the district email by going to :westmorelanddistrict.com to get the latest and greatest with our District.

Here are a few photos from our recent Westmoreland District Twilight Camp courtesy of Jerry Woolfolk.

Upcoming District Activities:

I know that school has just finished up for the summer, but we need to be thinking of School Night for Scouting, both our school rallies and the roundup nights. Please let me know what your unit has done in the past.